**** get it by any means necessary *** it would be cool if you had it ** borrow from your friends if you have any * it really, really sucks

KID DYNAMITE - "Cheap Shots Youth Anthems"(Jade Tree) ****In the world of hardcore Kid Dynamite was like King Midas, everything they touched turned to gold, not in record sales but in terms of greatness. On "Cheap Shots Youth Anthems", the band's short history from 1997-2000 is represented on the 29 golden nuggets. The songs are broken down into 5 categories. Most notable are the classics aka youth anthems like "Heart a Tact" and "Two For Flenching". Every cover the band has ever done is included in it's representative section, the perfection of Black Flag's "Rise Above" as well The Clash, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, and Minor Threat covers. Kid Dynamite's six-song demo is included as well as unreleased material for the die-hards that need that extra fix. Wrapping up the collection is a recording from a live radio show taken from WYSP, in the bands hometown of Philadelphia. Expect hearing a band you love interviewed by some a clueless DJ asking inane questions, between live songs at the stations studios. Though they were only around for a short time, Kid Dynamite definetly created a chapter of their own in the late 1990's Hardcore scene. "Cheap Shots Youth Anthems" is a must have for anyone who loved Kid Dynamite or loves Hardcore. (David Blevins, Dec 2003)

STRIKE ANYWHERE - "Exit English"(Jade Tree) ****Just like their fellow Richmond, VA (RVA) peers AVAIL, STRIKE ANYWHERE improves with each release, though improvement wasn't all that necessary. "Exit English" is the follow-up to 2000's "Change Is A Sound." Where that album revolutionized melodic hardcore, "Exit English" re-revolutionize taking the band to all new territory. When singer Thoms Barnett sings "we go go out in a blaze" on the opening track "We Amplify", the band has you locked in and tuned to the album. "Exit English" can best be described as a survival guide to the coptic times of the George W. Bush era. "To The World" is the albums standout track that forces you to pay attention to the message in the song. Strike Anywhere exemplifies life in RVA and the mad world we live in today, making "Exit English" feel therapeutic, chilling, and at it's best moments inspiring. The definite hardcore masterpiece of 2003, destined to be a classic! (David Blevins, Dec 2003)

FROM ASHES RISE - "Nightmares"(Jade Tree) **So perhaps you've heard this before? Honestly there is nothing that standsout on From Ashes Rise "Nightmare." it almost sounds like a sped-up version of beloved and missed band DESPAIR, and it times the vocals are reminiscent of Scott Vogel. On the first track "Reaction", well there really is none (pun intended) for the listener except maybe thinking "this has got to get better or Give Up The Ghost is going in there." FROM ASHES RISE has their politics right on point, and their sound isn't all that bad but could use some innovation, so "Nightmares" does them no justice. (David Blevins, Dec 2003)

THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES - "This Is Meant To Hurt You" EP(Jade Tree) ****Ever hear a sound that literally just blows you away the first time you hear it? That's exactly what happens on "This Is Meant To Hurt You", the Jade Tree debut EP from These Arms Are Snakes (TAAS). TAAS was formed from the ashes of BOTCH and KILL SADIE, the formulaic intensity of both bands were carried out by the members. The band has been compared repeatedly to AT THE DRIVE-IN (ATDI), but it does them no justice. From the opening track "Riding The Grape Dragon", it becomes painfully obvious that TAAS' sound is way more intense than anything ATDI ever did. The second track "Run It Through The Dog", starts out cathartic and crescends into an almost jazz-fusion breakdown, which at time feels like Iceburn(ish) and harkens back to the 108 song "Being or Body?", the song picks up again with a multitude layer of sounds like an orgasmic crescendo for the ears. Vocalist Steve Sneere exlaims "if this is an invitation , then this is my R.S.V.P, so on your list you can scratch me off", on "The Blue Rose", the ultimate invitation to the EP's standout track. These Arms Are Snakes "This Is Meant To Hurt You" is at best heard through headphones to capture all the cataharis and intensity the band has to offer. Bleeding ears never felt this good. (David Blevins, Dec 2003)

SNAPCASE - "Bright Flashes"(Victory Records) ***Concept albums by hardcore bands? Isn't that some prog-rock, Pink Floyd or Coheed and Cambria thing? Nevertheless, hardcore veterans Snapcase follow-up 2002's brilliant epic "END TRANSMISSION", with "BRIGHT FLASHES", the conclusion to the former mentioned concept album. Wait, they venture into techno too? The remix to Believe/Revolt, subtitled (Relocation Blueprint), is built around the chorus/refrain "we got the escape route blueprint, get off this planet now" and given a techno underbelly. "Ten A.M" is also given the same electro treatment, that pulls you into the dark world that vocalist Daryl Taberski describes in the lyrics, it gives the feeling of life after the Apacolypse. "Dress Rehearsal" is one of those songs that would nest comfortably with on "END TRANSMISSION", leaving the listener to wonder why it was left off that album. "New Academy" showcases Snapcase at their finest. On "Blacktop" the band covers an influence that has much in common with their sound as Michael Jackson has children in his bed, HELMET was an very obvious influence on SNAPCASE and here the band takes a note from that band's "STRAP IT ON" LP, mimicking the repetetive riff sound that both bands have honed, but it's Daryl handling the vocals vice Page Hamilton. The Buffalo legends also attempt to tackle two DEVO tracks "Depths of Field" and "Freedom of Choice", Taberski's vocal strain dating back to the day he took over lead vocals becomes unbearable for the first time in the history of the band. Not to worry, the band does an impressive cover of JANE'S ADDICTIONS' "Mountain Song", imagine Perry Farrell losing his voice and you get the effect, but it's not a bad one done in true Snapcase form especially on the vocalization of the "Cash In Now" line. "Bright Flashes" may not be for everyone but a definite must have for collectors. (David Blevins, Dec 2003)

SICK OF IT ALL - "Life On The Ropes"(Fat Wreck Chords)***Let's be honest, the last few SOIA records have not been the best material the veterans of hardcore can offer and the band seems to realize this with their lastest effort. "On The Ropes" is the type of record that takes a few listens before it becomes a favorite. Lou Koller teams up with John Joseph (Cro-Mags) on "Paper Tiger (Fakin' The Punk) and they have a message for all you newjack punk perpetrators and bands. SOIA regroups and delivers their finest effort since "Just Look Around", and "Life On The Ropes" proves that you just can't fuck with a band like Sick Of It All. This is destined for more than a few Top 10's of 2003 and SOIA is sure to be around for many more years. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

SAVES THE DAY - "In Reverie" (Dreamworks) * Never since Bob Dylan went electric or the self-titled album by Warzone, has a band changed their sound this much. Now with major label Dreamworks, Saves The Day tries longily to duplicate The Beatles sound with minimal results and the change in Chris Conley's vocals won't help anyways. "Anywhere With You" the head knodding opening track is a pleasant surprise as the disc opener, but it's all downhill from there. There are no standout tunes like "Holly Hox, Forget Me Not", "Shoulder To The Wheel" or "At Your Funeral" from previous efforts. The band appeared to be on the verge of big things when they appeared on 1999's Rebirth of Hardcore compilation followed by "Stay What You Are", but this effort is sure to alienate more than a few of their fans. Overall a nice effort for maturity in their sound but they lose major points for abandoning their roots. Ironically, with a song called "What Went Wrong" on "In Reverie" it begs the listener to wonder what happened to this once hyped band. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

THURSDAY - "War All The Time" (Island) ****Believe the hype!! Finally a band lives up to it on the follow up to 2001's "Full Collapse". Thursday probably has a few Album of the Year titles wrapped up by now. "War All The Time" does not dissappoint from the sonic guitar assault opening of "For The Workforce, Drowning" to the last track "Tomorrow, I'll Be With You". Thursday proves they are the elite of the latest crop of magazine cover happy bands thanks to Geoff Rickly's dynamic vocal delivery coupled with the screams of his bandmates. Just ignore those thoughts of "my friends won't think I'm cool if I have a Thursday cd" and get this album. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

BAD BRAINS - "Banned In DC: Bad Brains Greatest Riffs" (Caroline) **** Review a Bad Brains record called "Greatest Riffs", are you crazy? You know it's going to be good without listening to it. Even better when played. The Brains conjure up their best material, and who is to disagree. A few fans would have questioned if material from "Rise"(without H.R.) or "God of Love" were on here, but thankfully it's pure raw Bad Brains. Compiling everything from the original "Bad Brains" 7" to the album "Quickness" and the live albums. The surprise lies in the few reggae tracks, not a bad thing, the Bad Brains know you want the hardcore and they bring it. The cd is also enhanced with a live video of "I Against I" from Providence, Rhode Island in 1987. "Greatest Riffs" is a must have for the old school Bad Brains fan and a great starting point for the one who may have just discovered them recently touring as Soul Brains. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

PAINT IT BLACK - "CVA" (Jade Tree) **** Bravo, another amazing hardcore album! If you heard the demo from this Philly band made up of hardcore legends you knew it had potential. But what the fuck? Who knew it was going to be this good! Dan Yemin(ex-Lifetime, Kid Dynamite) and (ex) members of Good Riddance, The Curse and Affirmative Action Jackson deliver what has to be one of the finest moments in hardcore since 1996's Battery's "Until The End". Short, fast, loud, hardcore fans everywhere should be thanking Yemin for returning to the scene. The song titles alone like "Less Deicide, More Minor Threat" and "This Song is Short, Because It's Not Political" give reason to obtain this album. This is what Minor Threat would sound like if they debuted in 2003. This review is short because I'd rather be listening to this record. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

SENSE FIELD - "Living Outside" (Nettwerk) *** After the marginal success of 2001's "Tonight and Forever" with the help of the "Save Yourself" single, Sense Field proves they still got the glue that has kept them together for so long, even with guitarist Rodney Sellars on hiatus. Producer Brad Wood tweaks the knobs for a more polished sound, that may drive some listeners away, but proves just how good this band really sounds. "Living Outside" is a much darker disc than Sense Field fans may be used to but the unmistakeable eliqouent delivery of Jon Bunch's vocals more than make up for it. Opener "Burn" is sure to find it's a way onto many break-up mix tapes for it's lyrical content. The band reworks a version of "On Your Own" with a lesser edge then on the "Fun Never Ends" EP, and commits a stunning cover of The Cure's "A Letter To Elise". Sense Field retains their punk edge on "Memory" and "Take What You Want". As a bonus, long time fans will be delighted with the hidden track "The Horse Is Alive", this beautiful standout appeared on the unreleased record "Under The Radar" and many requests were made to hear this songs official release. Listeners will find themselves singing along to "I Refuse", "You Own Me" and "No Medicine" by their first spin. Detractors may claim that Sense Field has changed there sound, but "Living Outside" is a testament of a band that has grown together. (David Blevins, Oct 2003)

DROPKICK MURPHYS -"Blackout" (Epitaph Records)*** If you were holding out for another "Sing Loud, Sing Proud", then be prepared to be disappointed. This album will have you wondering "where the hell is Al Barr"? Bassist Ken Casey seems to have taken over the vox on "Blackout" and poor Al seems reduced to supporting and or sharing vocals on most of the albums most of the mic duties. Fans have of the band have probably grown accustomed to Al's growl since he was first heard on 1999's "The Gang's All Here". The hightlights of the record include the hilarious track "The Dirty Glass" and the no-holds barred DKM rendition of unpublished Woodie Guthrie lyrics the hard charging "Gonna Be Blackout Tonight". All things considered, "Blackout" is not a bad record. (David Blevins, Jun 2003)

MISCONDUCT -"New Beginning" EP (Side By Side record)*** Sweden's MISCONDUCT plays a hardcore the way it was meant to be played, staying true to it's roots and remiscient of bands like Gorilla Biscuits. Featuring precise old school mosh parts and well timed sing-a-alongs very refreshing in todays metalcore dominated world. Most notable, is the cover of Bob Marley's "Iron Lion Zion", a hardcore version of the song with a slight reggae break down (think 108) but never mimicking the original, MISCONDUCT pulls this off incredibly, sure to be a hit at shows with he sing-along crucial finger pointer crowd. Don't sleep on their soon to be released full length.(David Blevins)

INSULT TO INJURY -"Insult to Injury" (ngs records)**** From the opening cord of the first song "Know This", I knew this was going to be good. INSULT TO INJURY brings their brand of hardcore straight outta Chicago with a fury. For those who like their songs fast, loud and fucking furious, INSULT TO INJURY plays hardcore the way it was meant to be played. (David Blevins)

BURN- "Cleanse" (equal vision records) ** This is the new Burn record. They have Vic(ex-108/Inside Out) on second guitar, and one would think: MOSH!!! Well, that really isn't the case. This stuff is pretty groovy at times, but it doesn't remind me of the old Burn material. There seems to be a spastic DC sound hovering over the music, which would probably make sense, because this record was produced by Ken Olden, a member of many well-known DC acts. With that said, hopefully people can approach this record with an open mind and give respect to a band that can play particularly well.(Brad Santiago)

MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD - "Nothng in Vain" (Trustkill records) ** For those that don't know, MPB is basically Indecision with a few minor adjustments. The original Indecision vocalist, Tom Sheehan is back and he's improved so much. I've heard this band described as an "east coast Unbroken," but I can't really hear any true similarities. This sounds more like Indecision, except with a more chaotic and metal style.(Brad Santiago)

WILL HAVEN - "Carpe Diem" (Revelation Records) *** - This is a vast improvement over their second record, "WHVN." It is way better. I'm getting some Coalesce vibes from this record, which is a good thing. It's heavy, discordant, eerie, and at times, it seems serene.(Brad Santiago)

THE DISASTER - 7" (Endwell Records) *** For those who STILL feel sad about the loss of Kid Dynamite, here comes the Disaster! It's fast, youthful, energetic, and totally punk rock. The vocalist sounds a bit like a scruffier Ari Katz. I'm happy that they decided to explain what every song meant in the lyric sheet, so they get points for that as well.

The Cause "Human Condition" (Ides of March) ****

On "Human Condition", San Diego's The Cause grabs your attention almost immediately on the opening track with a sing-along that proclaims "I Know, I Will Break Free!", then the song breaks into a series of screams and melodic vocals, reminscent of early V.O.D. "Paint The Sky", the third track on this 5 song e.p. is perhaps the highlight, a well written song musically and lyrically that captures the angst brought upon my a bitter end to a relationship. With so much emoton, passion, and aggression, this whole ep is worth having to find out what The Cause is all about.(David Blevins)

Plea For Peace/Take Action Now (Asian Man Records/Sub City) ****

Benefiting a two great causes (Kristin Books Hope Center and National Hopeline Network), this is a stellar cd of unreleased, rare, or live tracks from 28 different bands for a very low price. Alkaline Trio starts things off with the catchy "My Standard Break From Life" which is followed by Hot Water Music's "Dreamward". Cave-In gets to be annoying on the remix of "Jupiter". Thrice gives us nicely sang and screamed vocals on "To What End?" Noteables are The Eyeliners and Lawrence Arms, two bands you definetly want to hear more from. Sequencer king Atom and His Package gives us the clever "Wonderman (Hammer Smashed Ball)". A haunting live version of "Autobiography of a Nation" is contributed by Thursday. Other highlights include tracks from At The Drive-In, Shai Hulud, Boy Sets Fire, Grade, The Ataris, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, and Strike Anywhere. This is a must have and you should be able to get this for less than $6.(David Blevins)

Sense Field "Tonight and Forever" (Nettwerk America) **** Sense Field returns with the long awaited followup to 1996's "Building". Since being released from Warner Brothers and having their recordings for that label never see the light of day, despite advance promo copies going out, Sense Field has been hard at work, touring and reworking those songs that were to appear on "Under The Radar" and writing new ones. The end result has produced one of the best recordings in Sense Field's catalogs. Songs such as "Emergency Exit", "Are You Okay", "Am I A Fool" and "Love Song" have been reworked to their finest from the "Under The Radar" sessions, the only holdovers from that never released album. "Tonight and Forever" has set Sense Field up for the same success that Coldplay and Jimmy Eat World have been enjoying lately on songs like the radio ready "Beatles Songs", the first single "Save Yourself", "Weight Of The World" and "Fun Never Ends".(David Blevins)

Rival Schools "United By Fate" (Island Records) ****

Former Gorilla Biscuits and Youth Of Today members Walter Schreifels and Sammy Siegler are re "United By Fate". Following the break up of Youth Of Today, Walter started the influential post-hardcore band Quicksand and Sammy went on to play drums in bands such as Judge and Shelter and then reuniting with Gorilla Biscuits frontman Civ, in his self-titled band. CIV and Quicksand were met with considerable success so one would expect something along the lines of hardcore from these guys, but that is not the case. "United By Fate", the full length followup to the bands "Rivals Schools United By Onelinedrawing" split ep with Jonah, however will not dissappoint. Though it can probably lumped in the emo category on tracks like "Undercovers On" and "So Down On", fans of Quicksand will love the the guitar riffs on "High Acetate", "Used For Glue", "The Switch", and many others. "United By Fate" is a brilliant full length debut from Rival Schools that will leave listeners waiting for more and hopefully this band will have better longevity than the members previous bands.(David Blevins)

Kill Your Idols "Funeral For A Feeling" (SideOneDummy) ***

Straight up hardcore on 17 tracks that has that old school NYHC sound to it. Plenty of fast paces songs about staying young, broken friendships, with plenty of angst to go around. Go get this now, break out the lyric sheet and sing along to "Young(At Heart)", KYI answer to 7 Seconds "Young Till I Die".(David Blevins)

Murphy's Law "The Party's Over" (Artemis Records) ****

NYHC's finest are back with the followup to 1996's "Dedicated" LP. Jimmy G. and crew's lastest release is called "The Party's Over", but one listen and it's anything but over. Murphy's Law leads off with such in your face tracks as "Maximum Lie" which gives way to the catchy chorus of "Vicky Crown", a very clever song about a Ford Crown Victoria. Lots of guys (or girls, even) can relate to "Bitch" or shallow friends on songs like "Mission". Seems Jimmy has been done wrong again as he tells us on "Walking Alone", one of two ska tracks on "The Party's Over". This release continues in the endless party that is known as Murphy's Law.(David Blevins)

Shelter "The Purpose, The Passion" (Supersoul Recordings) ****

With Porcell leaving, one would expect Shelter to be no more, but it was Ray Cappo that started Shelter and continues on with it today. Shelter has always had a revolving door of musicians. Bringing in former Better Than A 1000 roadie Supergrass to play lead and Sri to play rythm guitars, along with former Shelter member Franklin on bass and ex Good Riddance drummer Sean. Ray seems to have found his best lineup on this recording, not to take anything away from Porcell, who did an amazing job on "When 20 Summers Pass". Lots of melodic and positive punk rock here. Supegrass' finest work can be heard on "We Can Make It Through". Always one that has not been afraid to try new things, like the ska song on "Beyond Planet Earth", Ray Cappo gives us the Sonic Youth-esque "Inner Garden" and the albums last track is a departure from traditional sounds on "If It Ever Heals At All". "The Purpose, The Passion" will surely bring back fans who were turned off by 1997's "Beyond Planet Earth" LP, Shelter has seemed to get better and better since that album, maybe a result from Ray's time in Better Than A 1000 and a brief Youth Of Today reunion. Now, and more than on "When 20 Summers Pass", a direction of what was coming could be heard on the two Shelter tracks tha appeared on the Supersoul compilation "1999: Rebirth of Hardcore".(David Blevins)

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